Chapter 9
The next evening, Fiona sat, champagne in hand, at Stella’s island. Makeup, curling irons, hairspray and brushes covered nearly every inch of the Calcutta gold marble countertop.
The front door opened, and they could hear Cassie walk in.
“I’m here,” she called out, breathing heavily.
She walked in, brown hair piled high in a clip, with several garments under her arm.
“Goodness, Cass, did you rob the store?” Stella asked.
Cassie tossed the clothing on a chaise lounge, and collapsed next to them.
“No,” she said, brushing a stray strand of hair out of her eyes. “These are my designs.”
Fiona’s eyes went wide. “All of them?” She slid off the stool and crossed the room to get a closer look at the pile of dresses, skirts, pants and tops that Cassie had hauled over.
“Yes,” she said, still out of breath. “Do you have any water?”
“Of course,” Stella said, filling a glass. “Maybe with a side of champagne?”
“Alright,” Cassie told her, just a hint of hesitation in her voice.
Fiona flipped through the pile, overwhelmed by it all. She knew Cassie spent a lot of time with her sewing machine, but this was unbelievable.
“For you,” Stella said, handing the glasses to Cassie.
“Thanks,” she said, then nodded to the pile. “I brought over something I actually designed for you.”
Stella gasped. “The dress you needed my measurements for ages ago?”
Cassie nodded, pulling a set out of the pile.
“Not a dress, though. A suit.”
“A suit?” Stella asked, raising a brow. Stella was the queen of over-the-top feminine attire, Fiona considered. She’d hardly seen her wear a blazer, let alone a full suit.
“Trust me,” Cassie said, and handed it to her.
Stella gasped again as she held up the garment. “Are these shimmery pinstripes?”
Cassie nodded, smiling. “Slate gray fabric, because I thought black would be too harsh for your complexion.”
“I have the exact heels for these,” Stella said, running off giddily with her new ensemble.
“And you..” Cassie said, searching for something else.
“You didn’t,” Fiona groaned. “Honestly, Cassie, when do you have time for anything else?”
“Don’t kill me,” Cassie said, looking up at her earnestly. “I know black is your signature color, but I’ve been dying to see you in something else.”
Fiona crossed her arms over her chest. “What did you do?”
Cassie grinned nervously. “Here you go.”
As soon as she saw it, Fiona raised her brows in surprise. “Blue?”
“Not just any blue,” Cassie said, holding it up to her. “I tried to find the perfect icy blue that matches your eyes. It’s backless and on the shorter side, but it does have long sleeves, so still appropriate for winter. Isn’t the fabric incredible?”
“You’re incredible,” Fiona said, taking the dress from her. “And incredibly selfish, forcing me to wear blue.”
“Obviously,” Cassie said, smirking. “Now go get dressed.”
Fiona obeyed, relieved that she’d decided to pack the silver heels at the last minute. She walked down the hall to Stella’s glamorous home office. Fiona changed into the dress carefully, not at all surprised when it was a perfect fit. Cassie was a whiz with measurements, and she always seemed to choose fabric that was as comfortable as it was beautiful. But there was no way it was cheap, Fiona thought. The quicker they could get their business off the ground, the sooner Cassie could make some real money off of her designs.
Fiona looked at herself in the mirror, shocked at how much she loved the color of the dress. Cassie was right; it was a near perfect match for her eyes. She would never admit it out loud, Fiona thought, but she was having a real Cinderella moment in this dress. There was a subtle sheen to the fabric, and the skirt hit just above her knees. A dress like this required a loose updo, she thought. Effortless glam, slightly undone, with tendrils at the front.
“Did it fit?” she heard Cassie yell from the living room.
“Like a glove,” Fiona said, stepping out in the dress. Cassie grinned proudly. Stella slapped a hand over her gaping mouth.
“Is that…” she said, stepping closer, “color?”
“I love it, Cass,” Fiona said, twirling for effect. “Truly.”
“You”re welcome,” Cassie said, nodding approvingly. “I always suspect I’m a genius, but seeing it right in front of me helps.”
“Speaking of genius,” Stella said, tossing a blonde strand over her shoulder. “This suit is breathtaking. Powerful, sexy. It makes me want to close a big deal and break some hearts. Simultaneously.”
“It’s a work of art, Cassie,” Stella said, shaking her head. “And yet no one sees any of it.”
Cassie sighed. “It’s so much work to create your own line. Bonnie lets me sell what I’ve got at the boutique, and that’s plenty for now.”
It could be so much more,Fiona thought.
“What about you?” Stella asked, sorting through the pile. “What did you design for yourself?”
“I was thinking this,” Cassie said, pulling out something cable knit.
Stella frowned. “You did not.”
Cassie shrugged. “It’s comfortable, and it’s cute with boots.”
Stella rolled her eyes. “You always do this! You got that sweater dress online years ago. Absolutely not.”
She pulled out a dress and handed it to Cassie. “Here. The silver halter dress.”
“It won’t work,” Cassie told her, and adjusted her glasses. “I designed that one for Fiona too.”
Fiona frowned. “Are you serious?”
“I wasn’t sure you’d ever go for the blue,” she said simply.
“Luckily you and Fiona are about the same size, so just try it on, ‘kay?” Stella said sweetly, guiding her down the hall to the office. Once she was out of earshot, Stella rolled her eyes.
“Honestly, what are we going to do with her?”
“Find her some clients so she can make some well-deserved money,” Fiona said.
“Amen,” Stella said, and walked back to the island. “Think I can brush out these curls yet?”
“Let me do it,” Fiona told her, feeling even more excited for the night ahead.
It tookanother half hour of primping, but finally, the three women were in Stella’s car, headed downtown. A few of Fiona’s clients had talked about the Midnight Lounge, but Fiona didn’t get out to enjoy the city as much as she’d like.
They parked and walked past the crowds out for the night. Stella led the way, towering over both Fiona and Cassie in her stilettos.
Fortunately, Stella had thought to make a reservation ahead of time, and they were led directly to their table.
The Midnight Lounge was over-the-top in the best way possible. Chandeliers glittered, scattering rainbow-hued diamonds of light across the floors. The walls were dressed up in a maroon damask, offset by the rich wood tones of the tables and floors. Stella and Cassie slid into one side of the booth, and Fiona sat across from them.
After they were seated, Fiona perused the menu, overwhelmed by the options.
“Everything looks fantastic,” she said. “How are we supposed to choose?”
“I’ve been on three dates here,” Stella told them. “Everything is delicious, but I have some favorites.”
“Three?” Cassie asked, adjusting her glasses on her nose. “Same guy?”
“Nope,” Stella said. “This is a very popular date spot. None of the guys worked out in the long run, but I was happy to come back here every time.”
The menu was pure decadence. There were some savory options and appetizers, but it was mostly sinful desserts and eye-catching drinks. Everything was an experience.
“The truffle and parmesan fries are a must,” Stella said, “and one of the dessert martinis. You’d like the one with the caramel rim, Cassie.”
“Sold,” Cassie said. “And the white chocolate bread pudding.”
“I’m doing the chocolate hazelnut martini and the classic chocolate cake,” Stella said, shutting her menu with confidence.
“I might do the cherries cordial martini,” Fiona said. “And that chocolate peanut butter pie thing.”
“I’m so happy we did this,” Stella said with a sigh. “We haven’t been out on the town in ages.”
They put in their orders and caught up on work stories while they waited for their drinks. They’d just arrived when someone at the bar caught Fiona’s eye. She frowned, though it was hard to get a good look in the dim restaurant.
The man turned, and realization hit Fiona all at once.
Porter?
Right as she confirmed it, Porter locked eyes with her, as well.
“Oh no,” Fiona said, grabbing her menu and hiding behind it.
Maybe he hadn’t recognized her.
Stella lowered Fiona’s menu.
“Don’t,” Fiona said, shrinking down further in her seat.
“You okay?” Stella asked, frowning.
“I’m hiding,” Fiona admitted.
“From who?” Stella asked.
“Probably the guy walking over here,” Cassie said, kicking Fiona under the table.
Fiona dropped the menu, relieved that it was too dark for anyone to see how red she was.
Porter walked right up to the table, and Fiona wondered briefly if she should stand.
“Hi, Fiona,” Porter said, smiling politely.
“Hi,” she said, her mind blank.
“Who’s your friend?” Stella asked, flashing her man-catching smile.
“I’m Porter, nice to meet you. Fiona cut my hair the other day,” he said, shaking each of their hands. “And, she’s our newest waitress.”
Fiona sucked in a breath right as she was sipping her drink, and coughed violently.
“Sorry,” she said, trying to catch her breath. She took a sip of her water. “I got the job?” she asked, her voice gravelly.
“You did,” he said, smiling. “I was going to call you tomorrow, but since you’re here, I figured I’d tell you personally.”
Fiona nodded, words escaping her.
“Have you been here before?” he asked.
Fiona just shook her head.
“These two haven’t been,” Stella said, saving the moment. “I thought it would be the perfect spot for a girls’ night.”
“It’s phenomenal,” Porter agreed. “The owner is my good friend, Jen. She introduced me to the Savannah restaurant scene when I first moved here.”
“So you own a restaurant?” Stella asked.
“Yes, but it’s not open yet,” Porter told her. “A couple more weeks. I don’t feel ready yet, but I don’t know that I ever will.”
“It’ll be great,” Stella said with a casual wave of her hand. “Why don’t you take a seat, Porter, unless you’re here with someone?”
Porter tucked his hands into his jeans and glanced quickly at Fiona.
“Just me,” he said. “I was bringing Jen some samples I worked on today.”
A woman rounded the corner, and handed Porter a beer.
“There you are,” said the tall, fashionable woman with deep brown skin and short black hair.
“Thanks, Jen,” Porter said, taking the drink from her. “I was just coming over to tell Fiona that she got the waitress job at Hearth.”
Jen’s eyes lit up. “Well, congratulations! Porter stopped by to drop off the maple glazed duck breast for me and some of my staff to try. Perfection, as usual.”
“Stella,” Stella said, shaking Jen’s hand. “I adore your lounge here.”
“Why, thank you,” Jen said, in her smooth southern accent. “And I just love your suit.”
Stella beamed, but Fiona saw Cassie shrink back just a little.
“Thank you, it’s an original by my friend Cassie here.”
Cassie smiled shyly.
Jen gasped. “Really? Do you sell your designs anywhere?”
“Bonnie’s boutique, over on Bull,” Stella said, before Cassie had a chance to answer. Cassie didn’t seem to mind.
“Well, how about this,” Jen said. “Porter, why don’t you take a seat and I’ll send out some of our new cheesecake bites for you all while you wait on your other food?”
They all happily agreed. Fiona was mentally preparing for a morning headache after the alcohol and sugar, but right now, she didn’t care. She was too worried about her proximity to Porter as he slid onto the seat next to her.
“So, I added some product to my hair this morning,” Porter said, turning to face Fiona. “How’d I do?”
At Stella’s raised brow, Fiona clarified. “When I cut Porter’s hair last week, he said he doesn’t use hair product much, but I thought his hair would look great with just a little styling.”
“Oh, it does,” Stella said, grinning.
Fiona tried to subtly shake her head. She couldn’t have Stella dating her boss, not when she really needed this job right now.
“Looks great,” Fiona told him, and took a sip of her drink.
“So, I know Fiona is a hairstylist and Cassie is a designer. What do you do, Stella?” he asked.
“I’m a makeup artist and an esthetician,” she told him. “We have dreams of the three of us joining up and creating a little all-in-one glam business.”
“Really,” Porter said, glancing at Fiona with a raised brow. Fiona’s pulse kicked up.
“Not, like, immediately,” she told him. “It’s going to take some time to get it set up.” She didn’t want him thinking she’d be walking out on the restaurant before she even began.
Their waitress came back, cheesecake bites, truffle fries and their desserts in hand. They divided up the treats and dug in.
“Are you from the area?” Cassie asked Porter, between bites of cheesecake.
“Montgomery, originally,” he said. “My aunt and uncle moved out to Savannah ten years ago, and my mom moved back here last year. I was in New York for a while, but I decided to move here to help out my mom.”
Fiona caught the glint in Stella’s eye.
“What a coincidence! Fiona was in New York for a while, too.”
Fiona glared at her, but Stella wasn’t deterred.
“Wow,” Porter said, turning to meet her eyes. “When were you in New York?”
“Four years ago,” Fiona said, leaving it at that. Porter nodded slowly, and Fiona wondered what he was thinking.
“So, Porter,” Stella said slyly. “I’d love to be at your restaurant’s opening night. Do you have a date in mind?”
Porter pulled a few business cards out of his pocket. He handed one to each of them.
“We have a friends and family night penciled in for the 15th,” he said. “We can seat you two in Fiona’s section. There’s bound to be some bumps along the way, so be gentle.”
“I’d be delighted,” Stella said with a sultry smile.
Fiona tried to subtly shake her head in Stella’s direction, but she seemed to be willfully ignoring her.
“Me too,” Cassie said, adjusting her glasses. “I’ll be there.”
“Great,” Porter said. He stood. “You ladies enjoy the desserts and the drinks. Fiona, I’ll give you a call tomorrow.”
“Sure,” she said, smiling politely at him as he turned and walked away.
Fiona immediately held up a hand.
“Not a word. Not yet,” she said, looking at Stella.
Stella shrugged innocently.
“Whatever could you be talking about?”
Once he was out of the restaurant – and at least a block away, to be safe – Fiona let out a breath.
“So, when you mentioned applying at the restaurant, is there a reason you left out how incredibly hot the owner is?”
“Oh my god, Stella,” Fiona said, looking around. “People can hear you.”
Stella sat back, a twinkle in her eye.
“You do think he’s hot!”
Fiona stabbed her cheesecake with frustration.
“He is my boss now, so I think we can probably move on from this entire conversation.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you blush that much,” Cassie added.
Fiona groaned. “Okay, why did I agree to come out with you two?”
“Sorry, we’ll stop teasing you,” Stella laughed, squeezing her arm. “You’re just a stronger woman than me. I’d be too distracted to work if he was my boss.”
Fiona wasn’t blind. She knew how attractive Porter was. She just refused to let herself be affected by it. Well, most of the time.
“Setting aside the fact that he is my boss,” Fiona said, ignoring Stella’s eye roll, “you know I don’t date.”
Stella was quiet, finally conceding. “I know,” she said. But then, with a wink she added, “But he won’t be your boss forever, right?”
“I’m going to need that suit back,” Cassie said, eyeing Stella. “It gives you too much power.”
“Alright, alright,” Stella said, picking up her drink. “Let’s change the subject and toast to our new venture. May this year be life-changing for all three of us.”
“I will cheers to that,” Fiona said, lifting her own glass.
They both looked at Cassie expectantly.
After a beat, Cassie picked up her glass, too. “Yeah, okay.”
They clinked their glasses and took a sip, and Fiona knew, deep down, that something amazing was going to happen for them this year.